How to grow your own plants for your perennial food forest, agroforestry or silvopasture cheaply

Planting any reasonably sized permaculture system can become very expensive if you’re buying all the plants. Many of them can be grown very cheaply from seed or cuttings though, bringing the cost down. This is a quick walkthrough of some of the species we’re growing out ready for planting into the food forest systems here

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Growing rice at home in Scotland. Transplanting the seedlings into the padi field.

Growing rice in Scotland can be challenging due to the climate, as rice is traditionally a warm-season crop. However, with some adjustments and careful planning, it’s possible to cultivate rice in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse or an indoor space. Transplanting seedlings into a paddy field may not be feasible in Scotland due

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How to multiply comfrey without cutting it down, a pollinator friendly method.

Comfrey is the classic mineral accumulating permaculture plant, used for organic fertilisers as well as animal feed. It’s an important plant for pollinators, and is easy to multiply from root fragments. Here is a method to do it without losing the flowers or unduly stressing the plant. You don’t need to cut your comfrey plants

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Are swales suitable for a wet climate? Introducing the adjustable swale

Swales can be very suitable for a wet climate, especially if properly designed and managed. In fact, swales are often used as a sustainable water management technique in regions with high rainfall. Here’s why swales are effective in wet climates and an introduction to the concept of adjustable swales: Advantages of Swales in Wet Climates:

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How to Easily Propagate Pineapple Sage! (Salvia elegans)

Propagating pineapple sage (Salvia elegans) is a straightforward process that can be done through stem cuttings. Here’s how to easily propagate pineapple sage: Materials You’ll Need: Step-by-Step Propagation: Pineapple sage cuttings can be potted up and grown as new plants, ensuring a continuous supply of this delightful herb. Enjoy the aromatic leaves and their culinary

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Are Your Squash Flowers Not Opening? Some Reasons Why and What to Do!

Are Your Squash Flowers Not Opening? Some Reasons Why and What to Do!

If your squash flowers are not opening, it can be frustrating because closed flowers won’t be pollinated, and you won’t get fruit. There are several reasons why this may happen, and solutions to encourage the flowers to open: Weather Conditions: Cold or wet weather can cause squash flowers to remain closed. They are more likely

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Growing Dogwood Trees from Seed

Growing dogwood trees (Cornus spp.) from seed can be a rewarding but somewhat lengthy process. Dogwoods are deciduous trees or shrubs known for their attractive flowers, colorful foliage, and distinctive fruit. Here’s what you might expect one year after planting dogwood seeds: Year 1: Germination and Seedlings Year 2 and Beyond: Seedling Growth Year 2:

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Moving Your Garden to a New Property | Gardening Preparations for a House Move

Moving your garden to a new property | Gardening preparations for a house move. Byther Farm is a small organic homestead, designed and managed using permaculture practices. We aim for self-sufficiency in fruit and vegetables for increased self reliance and better resilience to the modern world. I recognise that we are unlikely to be truly

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Best Herbivores to Rewild Britain

My guess is that the logical sequence would be sectioning out land for rewilding. Then you rotate herbivores through the area, they rebuild the foundations. Along with beavers. After that, it’s time for the large predators The idea of rewilding in the UK, which involves reintroducing native species and restoring natural ecosystems, has gained popularity

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Rewilding Britain is needed for several important reasons

Rewilding Britain is needed for several important reasons

Rewilding Britain is needed for several important reasons: In essence, rewilding Britain is needed to restore and protect the UK’s natural environment, foster biodiversity, and promote ecological and human well-being while addressing pressing global issues like climate change and habitat loss. It’s a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and

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How Often to Add Hydrogen Peroxide to Plants and Garden

Contents1 Using Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Garden: Frequency and Applications2 1. Soil Aeration:3 2. Pest Control:4 3. Seed Germination: Using Hydrogen Peroxide in Your Garden: Frequency and Applications Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a versatile household item with a range of applications in the garden. It can serve as a useful tool for improving soil aeration,

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